Eating plenty of Marmite boosts the brain

Mark Waghorn

Love it or hate it, a Marmite sandwich a day could stave off Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research.

Its taste divides people but a study has found the sticky brown yeast extract boosts a brain chemical known as ‘nature’s Valium’.

It increased levels of GABA - the main neurotransmitter which ‘turns down the volume’ in the brain and protects against a host of disorders including dementia.

Participants consuming a teaspoon every day for a month - compared to those given peanut butter - had a dramatic 30 per cent reduction in their response to visual stimuli, a sign that their brains were healthier.

Scientists believe this is due to the prevalence of vitamin B12 in the spread fuelling production of GABA.

It is well-known GABA deficiency is linked with several serious neurological disorders.

As well as Alzheimer’s it can lead to Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases - as well as other psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, pain, panic or mania.

Psychologist Dr Daniel Baker, of York University, said: “The high concentration of Vitamin B12 in Marmite is likely to be the primary factor behind results showing a significant reduction in participants’ responsiveness to visual stimuli.”

First author Anika Smith, a PhD student in Dr Baker’s lab, said: “These results suggest dietary choices can affect the cortical processes of excitation and inhibition - consistent with increased levels of GABA - that are vital in maintaining a healthy brain.

“As the effects of Marmite consumption took around eight weeks to wear off after participants stopped the study, this suggests that dietary changes could potentially have long-term effects on brain function.

“This is a really promising first example of how dietary interventions can alter cortical processes and a great starting point for exploring whether a more refined version of this technique could have some medical or therapeutic applications in the future..”